Brilliant Labs Hosts SDG Innovation Day with Mandela’s Great-Grandson and Over 180 Students

Please join us in sharing this incredible day of youth-led innovation and global-local dialogue. Brilliant Labs is proud to host Dr. Siyabulela Mandela, great-grandson of Nelson Mandela, for a full day of inspiring conversations and creative action with over 180 students in Fredericton. This event empowers youth to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaboration, critical thinking, and solution-based learning.

What: On Tuesday, May 21, students from Hanwell Park Academy and George Street Middle School will participate in an SDG-focused experience, including a keynote, interactive discussions, and creative “Idea Lab” sessions.

When & Where (What to Expect): 

Hanwell Park Academy – 2331 Route 640, Hanwell, NB9:30 AM – 11:30 AMStudents will hear from Dr. Mandela, take part in a discussion on SDG themes, and present or refine their own SDG-aligned project ideas.

George Street Middle School – 575 George St, Fredericton, NB 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Students will engage in a keynote and participate in a collaborative hands-on design challenge to develop creative SDG-based solutions using a $1,000 hypothetical budget.

Why It Matters: This experience encourages students to explore and respond to:

The event brings global issues to a local stage, empowering youth in New Brunswick to think critically and act ethically for the future.

Opportunity Made Possible By: This visit is supported by The Varanda Network, founded by Bernadette Fernandes, who connects global voices with local communities through care, connection, and shared humanity.

About Brilliant Labs: Brilliant Labs is an Atlantic Canadian charity helping youth and educators develop digital skills, creativity, and social innovation aligned with the UN SDGs.

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Special Thanks:

We gratefully acknowledge support from:

  • Government of Canada
  • New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (NB EECD)
  • Anglophone School District West
  • Teachers, administrators, and the inspiring students of both schools

Media Contacts:

Bernadette Fernandes – The Varanda Network Bernadette@thevarandanetwork.com | 506-607-3040

Jeff Willson – Executive Director, Brilliant Labs
jeff@brilliantlabs.ca |  506-442-9059

Jacob Lingley – Vice Principal, George Street Middle School
Jacob.Lingley@nbed.nb.ca |  506-261-3540